By Ima-Obong Akpantuen
It was a rare but eventful unification of all interests as Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative visited Ukanafun Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The event, which also featured the commissioning of the chapter’s office, saw all serving and former political office holders, echoing their support for the return of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno to their respective offices in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the President-General of the Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, expressed confidence in the people of Ukanafun to deliver overwhelming support for President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Pastor Umo Eno in the next election cycle.
He noted that the current administration has brought development closer to the people, citing the provision of a modern general hospital in the area.
He added that such interventions strengthened the resolve of the electorate to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Engr. Okoko further expressed happiness at the peaceful ceremony in the area and expressed the assurances that all candidates produced on the APC platform will scale through in the next general elections.
While setting the tone for the event, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, Deputy Internal Coordinator, described the initiative’s mission as one of mobilization and advocacy.
He likened their role to that of a forerunner, stating that they were in Ukanafun to galvanise support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as a leader fostering unity and peace in Akwa Ibom State.
“Akwa Ibom is united. In 2027, we will ensure that votes go to the right candidates for their return to office.”
In his address, the Chairman of Council, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah, welcomed members of the initiative, noting that Ukanafun remains peaceful and prepared to mobilize total support for the President, the Senate President, and the Governor.
The inauguration of the Ukanafun Chapter Executive Committee was conducted by Dr. Eunice Thomas. The committee has Hon. Ubokobong Umoh as Coordinator; Mercy Effiong Ekpe, Deputy Coordinator; Edidiong Charles Essien, Secretary; Ufok Friday, Woman Leader; Mr. Imekan Ben, Youth Leader; Elder Godwin Ekpe, Treasurer; Prince Udeme Alexander, Provost; Mr. Nkereuwem Gideon, Director of Special Duties.
Also in the committee include Mr. Oku Udoettor, Welfare Officer; Esther Uyo, Female Youths Representative; Mr. Joshua Iwok, Assistant Secretary; Mr. Nkereuwem Joshua, Publicity Secretary; Prince Charles Udokure, Organising Secretary; Hon. Umakiso, Assistant Publicity Secretary; Miss Ekenimeno, Assistant Organising Secretary; Mr. Ofonime Iko, Assistant Welfare Officer; and Mr. Uduak Akpayak, Financial Secretary, among others.
In his acceptance speech, the Coordinator of the committee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing the initiative as a significant political movement in the state. He assured that, with the support of stakeholders, the chapter would deliver on its mandate and position Ukanafun as a leading force in the initiative’s activities. He also appreciated Hon. Ekpenyong for donating the office complex commissioned during the event.
Also, Hon. Paul Ekpo led the inauguration of the Chapter Advisory Committee, with Hon. Uyo Ukpanah as Chairman. Other members include Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem and Mr. Nsikanabasi Udom among others.
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah, expressed appreciation and pledged to work towards achieving the objectives of the initiative in the local government area.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including Mr Aniekpeno Mkpanang; former member of the House of Assembly, Obong Saturday Akpan; Deputy Treasurer of the initiative, Hon. Charity Ido; and SA to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Director, Welfare, Arise With Renewed Hope, Elder NsikanAbasi Umoekpo.
Others in attendance were Engr. Ekpenyong; Rt. Hon. Obong Akpan; Obong Eno Akpan; Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Elder Emem Udom; Atuekong Don Etiebet; Arc. Archibong Offong; Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem; and the Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun LGA, Akuku Engr. Amos Daniel Akpan.
They all commended ongoing development projects in the area, including the provision of a general hospital, ICT centres in secondary schools, and improved electricity supply, attributing these to the efforts of the current APC-led administration, both at federal and state levels, while also pledging increased electoral support in the 2027 polls.
